Wednesday, September 4, 2024 -The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students has debunked claims that it is planning a nationwide shutdown of major cities in the country.
NANS said it did not announce nor endorse
any such protest, describing the claims as baseless.
In a statement by the association’s Senate
President, Akinteye Babatunde, on Tuesday, NANS said the claims do not reflect
the position or intentions of our organisation.
The statement reads, “The leadership of the
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been made aware of rumours
and misinformation circulating across various platforms, suggesting that NANS
is planning a massive shutdown of major cities across the country.
“We wish to categorically state that NANS
has not announced or endorsed any such protest. These reports are entirely
baseless and do not reflect the position or intentions of our organisation.”
NANS said rather than disrupting the peace
of the nation, it is committed to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement
with relevant stakeholders.
The statement reads, “As the umbrella body
representing the interests of Nigerian students, we have always been committed
to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders.
“We understand the critical importance of maintaining peace
and stability in our nation, especially during these challenging times. Any
actions that could lead to civil unrest or the disruption of public order are
not, and will never be, supported by NANS.”
It urged the public to disregard the
claims, noting that those behind the claims are faceless.
“We strongly urge the public, the media, and
all stakeholders to disregard these false reports. The individuals or groups
behind these rumours are faceless entities who seek to exploit the name of NANS
for their malicious purposes.
“Their aim is clear: to destabilise the
country and create unnecessary tension among citizens. We categorically
disassociate ourselves from any such plans or intentions.
“We hereby call on the security agencies to
launch a thorough investigation into the origin of this misinformation. It is
imperative that those responsible for spreading these falsehoods are identified
and held accountable. The use of the NANS name to propagate such dangerous and
unfounded claims is not only a threat to national security but also a grave
disservice to the millions of students who genuinely seek positive change
through legitimate means.”
It also called on security agencies to fish
out the perpetrators of such claims.
“We urge security agencies to act decisively
in apprehending any individuals or groups attempting to use the name of NANS to
incite unrest or disrupt the peace of our nation. We must collectively ensure
that the integrity of our democratic processes and the rule of law are upheld
at all times.
“NANS remains steadfast in its mission to
advocate for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students. We will continue to
pursue this mission through peaceful, lawful, and constructive channels. Let it
be known that NANS stands firmly for peace, progress, and the unity of our
nation.
“We appreciate the ongoing support of
Nigerian students and the public, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant
and not to fall prey to those who seek to manipulate and mislead for their own
selfish gains,” the statement added.
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